Elizabeth Street, Belgravia: A Complete Guide for Buyers & Tenants

London is a special city and Belgravia is its beating heart. To be more specific, Elizabeth Street Belgravia is the focal point. It oozes the upmarket air prime central London is renowned for, with its distinctive Italian-influenced white stucco terraces, tranquil garden squares, and collection of sophisticated places to eat, drink and shop.

Although Elizabeth Street in Belgravia is beautifully discreet with a village feel, it is not isolated. Sloane Square, Eaton Square, the King’s Road and Victoria Station are all in close proximity.

The History of Elizabeth Street

This quietly sophisticated, tree-lined street is part of Belgravia’s distinctive history. The area was more swampy than salubrious until the early 19th century, when the ambitions of Richard Grosvenor, the second Marquess of Westminster, Thomas Cubitt and Thomas Cundy II ensured Elizabeth Street Belgravia became one of the most coveted addresses on the Grosvenor Estate.

The trio literally moved heaven and earth to create the neighbourhood. Tonnes of clay soil were removed, then fired into bricks, a new canal was dug to bring in earth from London’s docks and the land level was raised.

Once groundworks were complete, wide, elegant boulevards and garden squares were built, lined with homes that instantly caught the eye of aristocrats and nobility. Residents included the Earl of Essex, the Duke of Bedford and Earl Grey, the eponymous tea merchant. Elizabeth Street itself was named after Elizabeth Leveson-Gower, wife of Richard Grosvenor, and was intended as Belgravia’s main hub, mixing essential shops and residential dwellings.

Elizabeth Street in Belgravia has retained its regal air, thanks to the Grosvenor Estate meticulously preserving its beautiful Georgian and Regency architecture. This grandeur has attracted luminaries, including Mozart, three Prime Ministers and international dignitaries, to the local area.

Best Places to Eat, Drink and Shop on Elizabeth Street

Thinking of moving to SW1W? Here’s who you’ll share Elizabeth Street in Belgravia with.

1. Poilâne – French Bakery

Let’s start at Number 46 – a bakery on Elizabeth Street Belgravia. But this isn’t just any old bakery. This is Poilâne – a French artisan brand that’s renowned the world over. Poilâne’s bread is actually crafted in Paris and then brought to London, which is fine, because both the sourdough and the rye are best when they’ve had time to mature. People all over the country buy Poilâne bread by mail order but if you’re close enough to visit, you must nip in. You can get tea, coffee and pastries on the spot, and carry your bread home with you. Bon appétit!

2. Oliveto – Italian Restaurant

There are several excellent eating and drinking establishments on Elizabeth Street. We’ve chosen this restaurant at number 61 because it brings an authentic taste of Italy to Belgravia. This classy Italian restaurant offers some of the finest, thin crust pizzas that you will ever taste. If wood-fired pizza doesn’t take your fancy, you’ll find plenty of other delicious Italian alternatives – the chargrilled chicken escalope comes highly recommended.

3. Les Senteurs – Perfumery

This boutique perfumery at number 71 is a treasure trove of high-quality brands, as well as exclusive fragrances that you will struggle to find on sale anywhere else. You can book a consultation with an expert to help discover your perfect perfume or try some of the samples to find your favourite scent.

4. Peggy Porschen – Bakery And Café

Perhaps the most photographed shopfront in London, Peggy Porschen is the anchor of Elizabeth Street, with its chic pink façade, dramatic floral displays and delectable, award-winning cakes. Book a table or pop in to take away some heavenly cupcakes or a wonderfully crafted layer cake. Afternoon Tea at Peggy Porschen is the ideal way to celebrate a special occasion, while the brunch menu is popular with local residents and tourists alike.

5. The Thomas Cubitt – Pub And Restaurant

Named after one of Belgravia’s most notable building developers, The Thomas Cubitt offers the traditional London pub experience with a fine dining twist. Enjoy a few drinks with friends or book a table to sample the renowned feasting menu.

6. Moyses Stevens – Florist

In keeping with Elizabeth Street’s floral theme is Moyses Stevens, a florist tucked away at number 53. The external displays are enough to tempt anyone in, with the skilled florists able to create hand-tied bouquets, single-stem orders and seasonal arrangements.

Practical Amenities on Elizabeth Street

While it’s a luxury to have cafés, restaurants and boutiques on your doorstep, Elizabeth Street Belgravia is peppered with practical amenities – good to know if you’re looking at property for sale in Belgravia, or are hoping to rent in the SW1W neighbourhood.

Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic – Vet

The streets of Belgravia are home to some wonderful four-legged friends, so having an Elizabeth Street vet in Belgravia is a comforting presence. Elizabeth Street Veterinary Clinic is open 24-hours a day and can be found at number 55.

Cubitts – Optician and Spectacle Maker

Cubitts at number 43 is arguably the most dashing optician in London, set in a 19th century townhouse. From routine eye examinations and frame repairs to bespoke spectacles and sunglasses, eye care is delivered in a ‘contemporary interpretation of the neoclassical drawing room’.

Walden Chemist – Pharmacy

Serving Belgravia residents since 1846, Walden Chemist can be found at number 65. As well as the place to pick up prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, there are shelves lined with skincare products and health remedies.

Belgravia Dental Care – Dentist

A quick stroll from Elizabeth Street down Eccleston Place takes you to Belgravia Dental Care. This platinum-rated BUPA practice has the benefit of being open six days a week, with emergency appointments available. Routine, cosmetic, orthodontic and restorative dental services are offered.

Elizabeth Street at Christmas

Seasonal style is a big thing in Belgravia and none more so at Christmas. The neighbourhood slips into festive mode from mid-November, with the Elizabeth Street Christmas Lights Switch On the real highlight. It marks the start of some serious shopping, with the stores going all-out with their windows displays and events. Also browse Eccleston Street, Motcomb Street and Pimlico Road, soaking up the atmosphere.

Not to be missed is the pop-up Christmas market held at Ecclestone Yards in Belgravia Village. Pick up unique gifts made by artisan makers and independent brands while sipping a mulled wine.

Considering a move to Belgravia?

If you’ve been teetering on the verge of a move to Belgravia, we hope this short introduction to Elizabeth Street will help you make up your mind. Or, if you’re interested in some of the surrounding areas like Mayfair, Knightsbridge or South Kensington – get in touch. No one knows the Belgravia market and surrounding areas as well as we do.